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puma62 says ...

Wondering if anyone out there might be able to answer this question.

I applied for a  Federal Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) position a couple of months ago.  I sent my package to the east coast for a west coast job. I received a letter saying I met the qualifications and my application would be forwarded to that particular city of the position, and I would be contacted soon.

Today I received a half piece of paper from the HR on the east coast with these boxes being checked and saying: "Your application will receive no further consideration at grade(s) 12/13 for the reason(s) below. These requirements were stipulated on the vacancy announcement: "

"Outside area of consideration."

Does anyone out there know, specifically, what this means? There are other boxes that were left unchecked including "Experience/education does not meet OPM Standards."

There was no HR phone number listed on this letter, but I was able to find the HR person on a search and left a voicemail. Does anyone have any ideas on what "Outside Area of Consideration" specifically means? The job location was 25 miles away.

Anyone? Thanks.

 

Puma,

The term "outside area of consideration" is not a reference to geographic location. It is a reference to the category of applicants being recruited. Some positions are "Open/Competititve" which means all US citizens can apply. The announcement you applied to would have specified the area of consideration, ie: Open or Status or Agency Employees only.... For a GS 12/13 position you would need a SERIOUS background in the job category being recruited. For example FBI agents get hired at GS 10 (If memory serves me correctly)

When it comes to Federal Job applications, you must follow all the instructions COMPLETELY, the HR departments basically look for reasons to NOT forward your app to the hiring authority.

Hope that helps, if not send me a PM and I'll try to help you further....

Mike

Good advice, guys. When completeing any Federal paperwork, always ensure that your qualifications match the job to the "T". Be honest and don't hedge on anything since it will show up late in any interview or background investigation. Following the instructions is paramount as they expect things to be just right. It is more about your ability to follow directions precisely. Questioning the HR person will not help your case. Most of these people are not especially good about returning calls if your application was rejected. Basically, they are in a position that does not require them to give you any reason. The best thing you can do is to be very careful about looking over the job qualifications as well as ensuring the job is open for outside (the government) consideration.

Good to hear you got an answer! Sometimes it takes a long time for them to respond.

Puma,

That's not a real surprising answer. At least you actually got a response! I've been it a similar situation more than once and didn't get any response and had to dig on my own to get the answer. That's part of how I learned the strange ways of getting DQ'd. My last one was for a slot where I would have been essentially re-instated to my old slot at a seperate facility 30 miles away. I missed sending a single BS (duplicated) form and a call from HR would've told me basically what you heard except for the missing form... when you're sending a 30 page packet and you miss a single page it gets annoying...but it was MY fault...no one elses....

Keep your eyes open on other announcements and something you like & match will open eventually.

Mike